can

verb

/kən, ˈkæn/ past tense could /kəd, ˈkʊd/; present tense for both singular and plural can; negative cannot /ˈkænɑt, kəˈnɑːt, Brit ˈkænət/ or can't /ˈkænt, Brit ˈkɑːnt/

[modal verb]

to be able to (do something)

I don't need any help. I can do it myself.

I can't decide what to do.

All we can do [=the only thing we can do] now is wait. :to know how to (do something)

She can read, can't she?

I can whistle. :to have the power or skill to (do something)

A weight lifter can lift a very heavy weight.

She can play the piano.

Only Congress can do that. :to be designed to (do something)

a car that can hold five people [=a car that has enough room for five people]

How fast can [=does, will] the car go? - sometimes used without a following verb

I visit her whenever I can.

I don't know if I'll be able to fix the problem, but I'll do what I can.

Please help us if you can.

used to describe what someone sees, feels, thinks, etc.

Can you see him yet? Yes, I can see him clearly.

I can barely hear you.

Can [=do] you remember/understand how to do it?

a - used to say that something is or is not possible

Do you think he can still be alive? [=do you think it is possible that he is still alive?]

I don't think he can still be alive. [=I think he must be dead]

These problems can be dealt with more easily at the local level.

You can't always get what you want in life.

At this time of year many birds can be found on the island. [=there are many birds on the island at this time of year]

If you don't tell me what the problem is, I can't help you.

You can't be very smart [=you aren't very smart] if you believe that!

He was supposed to be here an hour ago. Where can he (possibly) be? [=where is he?] - sometimes used in the emphatic phrase asas can be

I want a cake as big as can be! [=I want the biggest cake possible]

They seemed as happy as can be [=they seemed extremely happy] when I last saw them.

b - used in speech to express surprise or disbelief

You must be joking! You can't/cannot (possibly) be serious!

He can't really have meant that. [=I don't believe that he meant that]

You can't (possibly) believe that!

The price is $50? That can't be right. [=that must be wrong]

to have permission to (do something)

You can do it tomorrow if you like.

Can I leave now? No, you can't.

You can't leave until you finish washing the dishes. - compare may 4

b - used in speech to make a request or suggestion

Can [=could] I have another cookie?

Can [=could] you open the window a little more, please?

You can sit here if you like.

If you're not sure what to do, you can always ask for help.

We can leave early if you're feeling tired. - compare may 3

a - used to say what should or should not be done

You can't leave now! The party is just getting started!

Why can't you be more polite? [=you should be more polite; why aren't you more polite?]

b - used in angry speech to tell someone to do something

If you don't like it here, you can just leave!

a - used to describe the way a person sometimes behaves

She can be very rude at times. [=she is sometimes very rude]

b - used to describe something that sometimes or often happens

In this part of the country the weather can change quickly. [=the weather often changes quickly] usage Could is used as the past tense of can to describe an ability that someone had in the past or to say that something was possible in the past.

I could run fast when I was young, but I can't run fast now.

By working long hours, we were able to finish the project on time. In the future tense, will be able to is used.

If you keep practicing, you'll be able to play the piano someday.

She believes that someday people will be able to vote at home on their computers. Can can be used to suggest something that might happen in the future.

If we save enough money, we can go to Hawaii for our vacation next year. - compare 3can

no can do

informal + humorous - used in speech to say that you cannot do something that you have been asked or told to do

Can you give me a ride to work tomorrow? Sorryno can do. My car is in the shop.

noun

plural cans

[count] a closed metal container that is usually shaped like a cylinder and that holds food or drink

Open a can [=(Brit) tin] of beans.

a can of tomatoes

a soda/beer can

the food or drink that is in a can

He ate the whole can of beans.

a metal or plastic container that has a removable top and that is used for holding liquid, trash, etc.

a can of oil = an oil can

a garbage can

a trash can

spray can

a can of deodorant

can of worms

a complicated situation in which doing something to correct a problem leads to many more problems

We thought the project would be simple, but it turned out to be a real can of worms.

Our boss is reluctant to change the policy now because she doesn't want to open a can of worms.

carry the can

Brit informal :to accept blame or responsibility for something that you did not cause

He made the error, but she was left to carry the can.

Taxpayers will carry the can for the renovations.

in the can

of a film, recording, etc. :completed and ready to be released

a movie that is in the can

the can

US informal

the part of the body that you sit on :buttocks

If you ask me, what he needs is a good kick in the can.

a room with a toilet :bathroom

He locked himself in the can and wouldn't come out.

toilet

sitting on the can

a prison or jail

The cops threw him in the can.

verb

cans; canned; canning

[+ obj] chiefly US :to preserve food by putting it in a metal or glass container

a factory where meats are canned [=(Brit) tinned]

canning tomatoes

US informal :to dismiss (someone) from a job

He got canned [=fired, sacked] for being late to work.

US informal :to stop or end (something)

The boss angrily told him to can the jokes. [=to stop making jokes]

Just can it! [=stop talking; shut up] - compare 1can - see also canned

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can /kæn/

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